spirits of ammonia
Definition
Noun: 1. A medicinal preparation: A solution containing ammonium carbonate dissolved in a mixture of ammonia water and alcohol, historically used as a stimulant or restorative, especially to revive someone feeling faint.
Usage Notes
- This term refers to a specific, compounded medicinal solution. It is not a general term for ammonia.
- Its primary historical use was as a smelling salt or restorative. The fumes were inhaled to stimulate consciousness.
- In modern contexts, it is considered an archaic or historical term for a specific pharmaceutical preparation.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The Victorian-era doctor recommended spirits of ammonia for her bouts of dizziness.
- In the old first aid kit, we found a vial labeled spirits of ammonia.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often found in historical texts, period literature, or descriptions of antique medical practices.
Variants and Related Words
- Aromatic ammonia spirit (n): A more modern pharmaceutical name for a similar preparation, often used as a respiratory stimulant.
- Smelling salts (n): A common term for preparations (including spirits of ammonia) used to provoke inhalation to restore consciousness.
Synonyms
- Smelling salts
- Aromatic spirit of ammonia (technical variant)
Notes on Different Meanings
- Spirits of ammonia is a fixed noun phrase with one specific meaning. It should not be confused with general household ammonia (ammonium hydroxide), which is a different chemical solution used for cleaning.
Noun
-
a solution of ammonium carbonate in ammonia water and alcohol
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